Nintendo's New 3DS Handheld Won't Launch In North America Until Next Year

Nintendo will launch a new version of its handheld console, the 3DS and 3DS XL, targeted at the hardcore gamer market, but it won't launch in North America until 2015. The updated device will have a second analog stick and additional shoulder buttons, along with a replaceable battery that will last for up to seven hours of gameplay.

Nintendo's new 3DS. Courtesy/Nintendo

Its first game release will be “Xenoblade Chronicles,” a sci-fi role-playing game developed by Tokyo-based Monolith Soft and released by Nintendo in 2012 in North America. It’s safe to say choosing an award-winning, well-received modern RPG as the console’s debut title will appeal to gamers seeking quality content.

Shulk from 'Xenoblade Chronicles.' Courtesy/Nintendo

The multinational gaming corporation will launch the new Nintendo 3DS in two models, one similar in dimension to the 3DS and one similar in size to the larger 3DS XL device. They will cost $154 and $180 respectively.

The second analog stick is tiny, more like a nub, and sits above the device's X, A, B and Y buttons, which are colored blue, red, yellow and green, much like the newer model of the Super Nintendo's controller.

Super Nintendo controller. Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

The new 3DS devices will possess a stronger CPU than current models, which will give players quicker download speeds and a swifter browsing session from eShop. The new handhelds will also have built-in NFC (near field communication) for the company’s upcoming amiibo toy line. Nintendo also promises gamers improved graphics and Micro SD card support.

"Different territories make their own business decisions regarding individual products and timing," a Nintendo rep said in a statement. "We have no plans to launch these products in the Americas this year. We have a variety of compelling portable gaming options for consumers now and through the holiday shopping season, including Nintendo 2DS and Nintendo 3DS XL. We also have a strong library of hundreds of games for these systems that appeal to all kinds of players, with titles like 'Super Smash Bros.' for Nintendo 3DS, 'Pokémon Omega Ruby' and 'Pokémon Alpha Sapphire' still on the way before the end of the year.”